Consumers May Be Unaware of Advil Side Effects Like SJS

The federal Food and Drug Administration is aware of the links between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and a potentially fatal skin disorder known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, but many Americans may not be aware of this potential side effect.

People who develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome begin with a rash that looks like dots stippling the extremities as well as flu-like symptoms. However, especially for children, this can lead to a misdiagnosis of chicken pox or another illness. If allowed to progress, sections of skin can die off and patients can lose their eye sight. Despite the severity of Stevens Johnson Syndrome complications, clear warnings on pain relievers like Advil do not reflect how serious this skin disorder actually is. This lack of clear warning has led many consumers to sue drug manufacturers for failure to warn, negligence and other counts.

While the FDA is working with companies that make over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers that also include other ibuprofen products and Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil still does not have specific warnings regarding the possibility of SJS or the more dangerous toxic epidermal necrolysis. However, while the medication used to be marketed as different and newer than other NSAIDs, all carry similar risks.

It is unclear, for now, whether or not the Advil Stevens Johnson Syndrome side effects can occur when people have already taken the medication at least once, as has been seen with Tylenol. Still, the Skin Association, which works with SJS patients, notes that both the drug maker Wyeth and the FDA have been reluctant to strengthen warnings, even for children’s versions, because of worries that buyers will not read even more text on a bottle even if it is regarding serious Advil side effects like Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

That is not an issue with prescription versions of the pain reliever. Drugs like Ketoprofen carry warnings regarding the SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis, and they may also be mentioned during a consultation with one’s pharmacist. For now, parents will need to look for warning signs of Stevens Johnson Syndrome in their children, and patients of all ages should watch for flu-like symptoms as well as skin rashes.

If you or someone you know has dealt with these autoimmune conditions, legal options are available. Learn more by getting a free consultation with one of our partner Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit attorneys. You will be able to determine what steps you can take and whether or not you are eligible to file a claim with a case review available to those who fill out the short form at the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation.